Group 1 - The APEC Business Travel Card is enhancing the ability of companies in Rizhao to expand into international markets, particularly in Asia-Pacific, with significant increases in orders reported by local businesses [1][2] - The card simplifies visa processes, reducing project connection times by 40% and lowering new customer acquisition costs by 25%, demonstrating its effectiveness in facilitating business operations [1] - The number of APEC Business Travel Cards issued in Rizhao has increased by 50% compared to the previous year, indicating a growing recognition of its benefits among local enterprises [1] Group 2 - Rizhao's foreign affairs office is extending its support to local enterprises throughout the entire process of going overseas, including training on project approvals and visa applications for international projects [2] - The office is fostering partnerships with cities in Europe, such as Nîmes in France and Kovačica in Serbia, to create a cooperative network that enhances business opportunities for local companies [3] - Collaborative initiatives are being organized to connect local businesses with international markets, including participation in agricultural cooperation dialogues with the UK and discussions with South Korean representatives [3] Group 3 - The Rizhao foreign affairs office is exploring new pathways for integrating foreign affairs resources with local industries, such as tourism, tea production, and low-altitude economy projects [4] - Joint efforts with tourism departments aim to attract international visitors, while collaborations in the tea industry focus on production and product development with Japanese and Korean cities [4] - Future plans include enhancing the APEC Business Travel Card's accessibility and expanding the application of "foreign affairs +" to support local economic development [4]

Core Points - The APEC Business Travel Card (APEC Card) significantly facilitates the international business travel of Chinese enterprises, allowing holders to travel freely among 17 economies without the need for additional visas for five years [1][2][3] - The Shanghai government has streamlined the application process for the APEC Card, resulting in a 35% increase in applications from January to August this year compared to the same period last year [1][4] - The card provides not only visa-free travel but also expedited customs clearance at major airports, enhancing the efficiency of business operations for companies [3][6] Group 1: APEC Card Benefits - The APEC Card allows for stays ranging from 60 to 180 days in various economies, making it easier for companies to engage in business activities [1][2] - Companies can save significant costs on visa applications, as the APEC Card requires only an initial fee of 1,220 yuan, with no further visa expenses for five years [2][3] - The card enhances trust and recognition from international partners, as it signifies government endorsement of the cardholder's business [3] Group 2: Application Process Improvements - Shanghai has implemented a fully online application system for the APEC Card, reducing the required documentation from seven to three items [4][5] - The introduction of a "pre-card issuance" policy allows companies to apply for the card as soon as they receive a visa for one of the APEC economies, improving efficiency [5] - The government has actively promoted the APEC Card through various outreach activities, encouraging more enterprises to apply [5][7] Group 3: Impact on Business Expansion - The APEC Card has enabled Shanghai companies to expand their operations internationally, with many establishing offices in APEC economies such as Russia, Malaysia, and Australia [6] - The card has facilitated the development of global supply chains and market penetration, particularly in Southeast Asia [6] - Companies report that their international visibility has increased, leading to more opportunities and partnerships in foreign markets [6]

Core Viewpoint - The launch of the "Foreign Affairs Pass" module on the Wuhan International Trade Digital Platform aims to streamline the process for foreign trade enterprises in handling invitations for foreigners to come to China and APEC Business Travel Cards, enhancing efficiency and convenience in international business operations [1][3]. Group 1: Functionality and Benefits - The "Foreign Affairs Pass" allows foreign trade enterprises to submit applications online, eliminating the need for physical paperwork and reducing the time required for qualification reviews [3]. - The integration with the Wuhan International Trade Digital Platform's big data capabilities enables precise profiling of enterprises' foreign trade operations, facilitating "one registration, multiple services" [3]. Group 2: APEC Business Travel Card - The APEC Business Travel Card facilitates business personnel's travel across 16 APEC economies, allowing Chinese cardholders to travel freely for five years [3]. - The possession of an APEC Business Travel Card is increasingly seen as a benchmark for assessing a company's strength and level of internationalization [3]. Group 3: Strategic Initiatives - The launch of the "Foreign Affairs Pass" is part of Wuhan's broader strategy to enhance coordination between foreign affairs and foreign trade, promoting a comprehensive approach to foreign affairs, trade, and investment [3].